Akershus Fortress is a great place to discover Oslo's history and enjoy a summer day. The building of Akershus Castle and Fortress was commenced in 1299 under king Håkon V. The medieval castle, which was completed in the 1300s, had a strategical…

Oscarsborg Fortress is a jewel in the Drøbak narrow. In summer, Oscarsborg is perfect for families and for those interested in nature, culture and history. Oscarsborg Fortress Museum presents the history of the place and organises guided…

Kristiansand Kanonmuseum (cannon museum) Møvik Fortress outside Kristiansand was built by the Germans during World War II. The museum houses the only remaining 380mm Krupp gun in the world. Bunker 55 is one of the two original German…

Karljohansvern is a national fortification in Horten, on the western shore of the Oslofjord, a good hour's drive from the capital Oslo. The fortress is beautifully situated on a peninsula between the fjord and the inner harbour and consists of…

Fredriksten is Norway`s largest, most important and most venerable border fortress. Many also find it one of the most magnificent in Europe, majestically located above Halden. It offers a fantastic view of the town and the fjord, and far…

Austrått Fort is a massive fortification with a five-storey cannon tower. The fortress was built by the occupying German forces during World War 2, and the battery was originally on board the battleship Gneisenau. Skilled guides will take…

It is regarded as on the region's main attractions. The Fortress was built from 1673 an onwards and it served as an efficient protection foreign soldiers – especially from Sweden. The Fortress was never conquered by enemies of Norway. Today the…

Fredriksvern is Norway's first main naval base, built in Stavern from 1750 onwards. The original name was Fredriksvern Verft, named after king Frederik V. who reigned at that time. Fredriksvern has played an important part in the development of…

The Hegra Fortress was built from 1908-10 to defend against attacks from Sweden following the dissolution of the union between Sweden and Norway in 1905. During the outbreak of World War II, Hegra Fortress was armoured with several canons. Around 280…

The Border Fortifications

Thes 22 small Border Fortifications are situated along the southern part of the border dividing Sweden and Norway and are given much of the credit as to why the two counties did not go to war in 1905 when Norway left the Union with Sweden.

Bergenhus Fortress

Originally built to protect the entrance to the port of Bergen in the 17th century, this fortress is now a museum and stands next to the famous Rosenkrantz Tower, near the famous Bryggen, the Hanseatic wharf.

Vardøhus Fortress

Located on an island in the Barents Sea, Vardøhus is the world’s northernmost and Norway’s easternmost fortress. It appears today as it did when it was built in 1738, shaped like a perfect eight-pointed star with low, stone-clad earth-walls.

The Verdal Fortifications

The relationship with Sweden was rather strained after the dissolution of the Union, which is why the Verdal Fortifications in Stjørdal and Verdal were constructed between 1908 and 1913.

Trondenes Fort outside of Harstad was built by the Nazis during World War II and is still a military installation. It is famous for its 406 millimetre cannon nicknamed “Adolf”, with a barrel over 20 metres long.

Fredrikstad Fortress

The last soldiers marched out of Fredrikstad fortress in 2002. Since its disuse as an army base, all the military buildings are used for other activities, and the old fortified town continues to be a lively urban community.

Kristiansten Fortress

Hovering above Trondheim city centre, Kristiansten Fortress is an important part of the city’s recreational areas.

Oddane Fortress

The construction of Oddane Fortress was initiated by Hitler in 1941. Today, the fortress is listed and not open to the public, but you can book a guided tour.

What’s on?

Norway’s national fortresses are cultural arenas visited by millions of people each year.

The fortresses lie in scenic and historical surroundings.

Many of the fortresses are used as cultural arenas for arrangements like concerts, exhibitions, and sporting events.

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Vardøhus Fortress

The world’s northernmost and Norway’s easternmost fortress. Appears today as it did when it was built in 1738.

Oslo is rapidly growing into a modern, international metropolis. In the countryside, prestigious projects seem to grow out of nature itself. There has never been a more exciting time for Norwegian architecture.

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